Last week, mom had another scan to check progress of the tumors. She received the scan results today at her appoint. The results were as expected, the tumors have grown (not all of them, but a fair number of them) so it shows with a strong indication that she should not continue on the treatment she's been doing since the end of September.
A little background as it's been a few months since I last updated here: It has been a rough few months for my mom. She has been so strong, pushing through, adjusting everything in her life to fight this. When they changed her treatment at the end of September, they tried a more aggressive mixture (recommendation from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America), but thought Mom could handle it. But, it didn't work, the treatment plan (see last update) made her white blood count dropped so low she was in the emergency room a few times around Columbus Day weekend for fear of infection as she had a spiked fever multiple times in about 3-4 days. Very rough few weeks. She was final able to continue treatment on Nov 7th (having over a month break so she & her immune system could try to recover and become a little stronger). At this point, they tried a much lower dose that removed one of the drugs (5-FU pill vs. infusion, for those that are keeping track) and she continued w/ just the CPT-11 & Avastin every 3 weeks since then. So, after very sporadic treatment, the results were not surprising, however, still not what we'd have hoped.
So, what's next - The doctor said it's really Mom's choice. She can continue with another round of treatment (single agent, only 1 drug), this would be every other week which would be, Erbitux (this causes the dry-skin or red-rash acne like symptoms) and diarrhea. This drug in combination w/ CPT-11 was what she was taking from May - August this year when the side effects (namely the diarrhea) was so harsh, they stopped the treatment. But, that treatment was working, quite well based on the scan results in August.
She can also choose to not continue treatment. They would manage any symptoms from the cancer (quite well the doctor explained; almost everything can be controlled except fatigue).
She will not be doing treatment until at the least January 3rd. Because we know the side effects will only contribute to bad days, this makes the most sense so ensure she feels good (if not almost great) for the holidays.
I believe that Mom has decided to at least try the modified treatment again to see how she can tolerate the side effects. The plan for now is just take it day-by-day and see if the side effects from the chemotherapy are worth continuing. The doctors say that the likelihood of the treatment working (because it's only a single agent), is about 50/50, but it could work to keep the tumors stable for at least a little while. The balance of the good days will determine whether it will be worth it for her to continue.
We are planning a memorable Christmas. And, as you can probably imagine, we're asking Santa (really, God) for a miracle. As always, which we know you always do, please keep her in your prayers.
It's really incredible to know so many people are caring and would, at a drop of hat, help if there was anything she or Tim needs. For now, wishing them Merry Christmas and prayers for careful consideration on making the right decision and being at peace with whatever that turns out to be.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Update on CTCA Visit
Just wanted to provide a quick update about our experience at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). (see previous post about info on this hospital). Overall, it was a very, very overwhelming week for Mom. Lots of information, plans, ideas, and next steps. Just need to take it one day at a time... She hasn't had the greatest week here, a lot of pain on her right side and lower chest area, but the doctors have some ideas to work on this too. Keep Sharon in your prayers for a successful treatment w/ minimal side effects so fighting this will be just a little easier.
Results of the CT Scan
Overall good news, the CT scan showed that the liaisons in her liver are stable. No change. And based on her not having chemo for 3 weeks and missing a few treatments over the last month because of the side effects. This is really good news. It means that the treatment was working and has stabilize the progression of the disease. All good, not great, but still very good. The one piece of bad news is that back in December 2010 (or before), there are small additional tumors that are in the lining of the abdomen area. This was not good news, but since they have been there for awhile, it wasn't as big of a deal. Just would have been nice if the oncologists that has been reviewing her scans (3 of the previous ones) would have told us. Basically this new news does help explain some of the phantom pains she has been experienced off & on in her side/stomach/chest as a possible irritant over the past 6 months.
Results of her Blood/Lab Work
Overall, she is deficient in a number of areas - likely due to the diarrhea that she has had for over 4+ weeks. That has started to resolve because chemo was paused, but overall her system is deficient in a no. of areas - potassium, magnesium, & protein to name a few that need to be corrected. Once these are corrected, she will likely start feeling much better than she has been for the last month or so. She will be taking a number of different supplements to increase and hopefully over the next week these levels will improve.
Chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy treatment began again on Thursday morning. She will received one of the same drugs as she was previous - CPT-11 and they are adding back to her regimen Avastin, plus she will be taking a pill form of the 5-FU (the fanny pack she used to get last year). This pill, Xeloda, she will be taking 2x, 14 days, then off for 7 days, and back on. She will be getting the infusion treatment every 3 weeks (one treatment in Columbus & then back to CTCA for the infusion treatment every 6 weeks).
Other Supplements / Nutrition
One of the reasons we decided to visit CTCA is because of their team approach and looking at all components of what Mom is eating, taking, and ensure she is building her immune system so when the chemo-treatment needs to be given stronger/weaker, she can take it. They have given her a few options of supplements she can take to help with the side effects and the overall health and effectiveness for the chemo-therapies. Nutritionally, they are focused on her getting the calories and amount of protein necessary to keep her strength and immune system in good health. This will not be easy especially without an appetite. Again, lots more info on nutrition that can help with diarrhea and good foods to help fight the cancer. Far too much info to list here.
Overall GI Health
Besides trying to implement some of the nutrition & supplements, she meet with a GI doctor (gastroenterologist) on Thursday afternoon. This doctor made some great recommendations about her overall GI health. He was an amazing person that was very empathetic to Mom and her side effects; explaining all of the ideas and ways she can get better overall so she's strong to fight the disease. It was refreshing.
What's Next
And, there are other alternative treatments they discussed briefly with us that she can try to see if it can help with her overall anxiety, stress-levels, and quality of life. Anything you all can think of to help her being just a little happier and giving her support & smiles will be helpful over these coming weeks.
Overall, lots of changes she can make; and just taking it one day at a time is the plan. Add one new thing this week, another next week so it's not so overwhelming. Keep her in your prayers as she keeps going day-to-day and fighting!
Results of the CT Scan
Overall good news, the CT scan showed that the liaisons in her liver are stable. No change. And based on her not having chemo for 3 weeks and missing a few treatments over the last month because of the side effects. This is really good news. It means that the treatment was working and has stabilize the progression of the disease. All good, not great, but still very good. The one piece of bad news is that back in December 2010 (or before), there are small additional tumors that are in the lining of the abdomen area. This was not good news, but since they have been there for awhile, it wasn't as big of a deal. Just would have been nice if the oncologists that has been reviewing her scans (3 of the previous ones) would have told us. Basically this new news does help explain some of the phantom pains she has been experienced off & on in her side/stomach/chest as a possible irritant over the past 6 months.
Results of her Blood/Lab Work
Overall, she is deficient in a number of areas - likely due to the diarrhea that she has had for over 4+ weeks. That has started to resolve because chemo was paused, but overall her system is deficient in a no. of areas - potassium, magnesium, & protein to name a few that need to be corrected. Once these are corrected, she will likely start feeling much better than she has been for the last month or so. She will be taking a number of different supplements to increase and hopefully over the next week these levels will improve.
Chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy treatment began again on Thursday morning. She will received one of the same drugs as she was previous - CPT-11 and they are adding back to her regimen Avastin, plus she will be taking a pill form of the 5-FU (the fanny pack she used to get last year). This pill, Xeloda, she will be taking 2x, 14 days, then off for 7 days, and back on. She will be getting the infusion treatment every 3 weeks (one treatment in Columbus & then back to CTCA for the infusion treatment every 6 weeks).
Other Supplements / Nutrition
One of the reasons we decided to visit CTCA is because of their team approach and looking at all components of what Mom is eating, taking, and ensure she is building her immune system so when the chemo-treatment needs to be given stronger/weaker, she can take it. They have given her a few options of supplements she can take to help with the side effects and the overall health and effectiveness for the chemo-therapies. Nutritionally, they are focused on her getting the calories and amount of protein necessary to keep her strength and immune system in good health. This will not be easy especially without an appetite. Again, lots more info on nutrition that can help with diarrhea and good foods to help fight the cancer. Far too much info to list here.
Overall GI Health
Besides trying to implement some of the nutrition & supplements, she meet with a GI doctor (gastroenterologist) on Thursday afternoon. This doctor made some great recommendations about her overall GI health. He was an amazing person that was very empathetic to Mom and her side effects; explaining all of the ideas and ways she can get better overall so she's strong to fight the disease. It was refreshing.
What's Next
And, there are other alternative treatments they discussed briefly with us that she can try to see if it can help with her overall anxiety, stress-levels, and quality of life. Anything you all can think of to help her being just a little happier and giving her support & smiles will be helpful over these coming weeks.
Overall, lots of changes she can make; and just taking it one day at a time is the plan. Add one new thing this week, another next week so it's not so overwhelming. Keep her in your prayers as she keeps going day-to-day and fighting!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Visiting Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Just looking for a few extra prayers this week. Sharon will be visiting Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago (Zion, IL) this week. We are looking for a 2nd opinion and just a fresh set of eyes. We thought it was time for a total evaluation looking not only at the chemotherapy treatment and results, but Mom's overall immune system. The goal is to get her stronger to be able to continue chemotherapy treatment.
After over a month of Mom dealing with very harsh side effects that she couldn't get under control, the decision was made that she would need to change her treatment to another chemotherapy mixture because of the side effects. For those of you that have dealt with cancer treatments, the last thing you want to do is change the treatment because of side effects; you only want to change because the treatment has developed immunity to the drugs so you need to switch it up. As she is at a crossroads for what to do next, we searched out different hospitals and approaches, and ultimately decided that Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was the right choice. They take a slightly different approach having her visit a team of doctors and specialists. She will visit an oncologist, gastroenterologist, and a general physician to look at all of the pills and different drugs she is taking to work thru the side effects. She will also have a Naturopathic and Nutrition consult as well as a Mind/Body discussion for a look at some of the alternative medicine techniques to help with the side effects. Overall, we are cautiously optimistic, but relieved for her to at least a complete evaluation to give her confidence with her current oncology team if nothing else.
Monday's appointments --
Today, she started with some intro appointments, history reviews and tests. Overall, a pretty easy day, and a very nice, courteous team that is eager, helpful, and making this process as least seem easy & relaxed.
More to come in the next few days, I will be sure to update as we go along this week.
Thank you for all that you do for my mom, in mind, spirit, thoughts, prayers, love and support. She appreciates it, we all appreciate it!
After over a month of Mom dealing with very harsh side effects that she couldn't get under control, the decision was made that she would need to change her treatment to another chemotherapy mixture because of the side effects. For those of you that have dealt with cancer treatments, the last thing you want to do is change the treatment because of side effects; you only want to change because the treatment has developed immunity to the drugs so you need to switch it up. As she is at a crossroads for what to do next, we searched out different hospitals and approaches, and ultimately decided that Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) was the right choice. They take a slightly different approach having her visit a team of doctors and specialists. She will visit an oncologist, gastroenterologist, and a general physician to look at all of the pills and different drugs she is taking to work thru the side effects. She will also have a Naturopathic and Nutrition consult as well as a Mind/Body discussion for a look at some of the alternative medicine techniques to help with the side effects. Overall, we are cautiously optimistic, but relieved for her to at least a complete evaluation to give her confidence with her current oncology team if nothing else.
Monday's appointments --
Today, she started with some intro appointments, history reviews and tests. Overall, a pretty easy day, and a very nice, courteous team that is eager, helpful, and making this process as least seem easy & relaxed.
More to come in the next few days, I will be sure to update as we go along this week.
Thank you for all that you do for my mom, in mind, spirit, thoughts, prayers, love and support. She appreciates it, we all appreciate it!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Treatments & Side Effects
Hi all,
Not sure how many of you have been coming back here looking for an update. Sorry for the lage in adding new info how Mom is doing. My last update explained that following Tara's wedding Mom would start a new treatment regimen at the beginning of May. This was not an easy decision as this treatment would add more side effects on top of the ones she's already dealing with (tiredness, hair loss/thinning, lack of energy, etc). This treatment was the start of an almost all new chemotherapy treatment mixture (with the exception of one drug). She is now going to chemotherapy every week with one week being about 5-6 hour process and the second week being about 3-4 hours.
She has had one scan / check on her progress at the end of July, and what we hoped and prayed was delivered. The new treatment made a pretty dramatic change to the size and tumors - almost of of the tumors were reduced in size and there were fewer tumors. Her spleen still is enlarged which is concerning, but the doctors explain that with the liver pushing on the spleen this is to be expected.
SIDE EFFECTS:
So this is the part that is not fun and makes for long days and weeks. With Mom's last treatment, she could predict how she was going to feel when. She knew when the good days and bad days would come. This treatment seems to be unpredictable and she can have a good week or day but those seem to be sporadic at least lately far and few between. This new treatment added - continued hair loss/thinning, dry/itchy skin and some redness on her arms, face, and legs has resulted (but comes & goes), and diarrhea. However, she is pushing through the best that she can and I am almost certain not really telling us how bad it is. But, I know my Mom is strong and if anyone can handle all of this to fight this disease, it's her.
With all of the prayers and support, I'm asking for more. Keep sending all that you have! And, next time you see her, be sure to tell her how strong she is :). She could probably use a few encouraging words & a laugh.
Not sure how many of you have been coming back here looking for an update. Sorry for the lage in adding new info how Mom is doing. My last update explained that following Tara's wedding Mom would start a new treatment regimen at the beginning of May. This was not an easy decision as this treatment would add more side effects on top of the ones she's already dealing with (tiredness, hair loss/thinning, lack of energy, etc). This treatment was the start of an almost all new chemotherapy treatment mixture (with the exception of one drug). She is now going to chemotherapy every week with one week being about 5-6 hour process and the second week being about 3-4 hours.
She has had one scan / check on her progress at the end of July, and what we hoped and prayed was delivered. The new treatment made a pretty dramatic change to the size and tumors - almost of of the tumors were reduced in size and there were fewer tumors. Her spleen still is enlarged which is concerning, but the doctors explain that with the liver pushing on the spleen this is to be expected.
SIDE EFFECTS:
So this is the part that is not fun and makes for long days and weeks. With Mom's last treatment, she could predict how she was going to feel when. She knew when the good days and bad days would come. This treatment seems to be unpredictable and she can have a good week or day but those seem to be sporadic at least lately far and few between. This new treatment added - continued hair loss/thinning, dry/itchy skin and some redness on her arms, face, and legs has resulted (but comes & goes), and diarrhea. However, she is pushing through the best that she can and I am almost certain not really telling us how bad it is. But, I know my Mom is strong and if anyone can handle all of this to fight this disease, it's her.
With all of the prayers and support, I'm asking for more. Keep sending all that you have! And, next time you see her, be sure to tell her how strong she is :). She could probably use a few encouraging words & a laugh.
Long Overdue Thank You Note from Tim & Sharon
Hi there -
Sorry for the over-due time to post this Thank You note from Mom & Tim on the blog. A version of this was posted in the newspaper and in the church bulletin, but I forgot to post this here. Next post will be an update on how Mom's doing.
Words cannot express the gratitude that Tim & I feel after the outpouring of support we received for at the benefit. Thank you to the hundreds of people that donated items, attended the event, bid on items, bought raffle tickets, sent cards, gave money, helped organize and work the event. It’s amazing all of the people giving their valuable time and money to help us. The overwhelming support I feel cannot be matched – I feel so blessed to have so many people in our lives that care enough to show this much support. The event and outpouring of support was just what I need to continue with chemotherapy treatment and fight this disease. You all have done so much; I can’t explain how thankful and grateful we are for everything you have done to help in so many ways!
Thank you, Sharon (& Tim)
Sorry for the over-due time to post this Thank You note from Mom & Tim on the blog. A version of this was posted in the newspaper and in the church bulletin, but I forgot to post this here. Next post will be an update on how Mom's doing.
Words cannot express the gratitude that Tim & I feel after the outpouring of support we received for at the benefit. Thank you to the hundreds of people that donated items, attended the event, bid on items, bought raffle tickets, sent cards, gave money, helped organize and work the event. It’s amazing all of the people giving their valuable time and money to help us. The overwhelming support I feel cannot be matched – I feel so blessed to have so many people in our lives that care enough to show this much support. The event and outpouring of support was just what I need to continue with chemotherapy treatment and fight this disease. You all have done so much; I can’t explain how thankful and grateful we are for everything you have done to help in so many ways!
Thank you, Sharon (& Tim)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thank You & Update from Latest Scan
First of all, thank you so much for everyone that came out to the benefit for Mom. It was truly amazing to see so many people that attended. I was more than overwhelmed and it's not even me :)! Mom & Tim were speechless after so many of you came to give your time, talents, money, and overall encouragement. It's amazing this community what it can do when people are in need! Finally, words can't explain the gratitude we all feel after such a successful event. A more in-depth thank you will be coming from Sharon & Tim in the next few days!
This past Monday, Mom receive the results from her latest scan. Unfortunately, the cancer has began to outsmart the current treatment. Some of the tumors grew and some of them did decrease in size. This means that her treatment is keeping some of the cancer in check, but these results are a strong indication that it is time to change her treatment plan again. This change will be almost completely new to her. Although this is not what we had prayed for, the doctors ensure us that a more drastic change in the treatment will work (and hopefully for much longer than this last slight adjustment in her chemo-mixture).
For the next 2 treatments, Mom will continue w/ the current regimen and will make the change to the new treatment following Tara's wedding. Unfortunately, the major side effect from this new drug causes acne-like symptoms or a red rash that can occur on your face, neck, or shoulders. Keeping Mom's quality of life as pleasant as possible so important for her spirits and will to keep fighting.
Please keep her in your prayers!
This past Monday, Mom receive the results from her latest scan. Unfortunately, the cancer has began to outsmart the current treatment. Some of the tumors grew and some of them did decrease in size. This means that her treatment is keeping some of the cancer in check, but these results are a strong indication that it is time to change her treatment plan again. This change will be almost completely new to her. Although this is not what we had prayed for, the doctors ensure us that a more drastic change in the treatment will work (and hopefully for much longer than this last slight adjustment in her chemo-mixture).
For the next 2 treatments, Mom will continue w/ the current regimen and will make the change to the new treatment following Tara's wedding. Unfortunately, the major side effect from this new drug causes acne-like symptoms or a red rash that can occur on your face, neck, or shoulders. Keeping Mom's quality of life as pleasant as possible so important for her spirits and will to keep fighting.
Please keep her in your prayers!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Arby's & Dairy Queen Benefit Nights
First of all, a huge thank you to all of Mom's friends that have organized these upcoming events to help Mom and Tim. The funds raised will help defray some of the medical costs from the past and what is yet to come. Here are a few opportunities to eat out a few nights at Arby's & Dairy Queen!
Super Sueper Benefit at the Platte Center Auditorium is planned for MARCH 26th!
A free will donation dinner will be served from 4 pm – 8 pm along with various auctions during the evening with the Grand Auction beginning at 7:30 pm. A bake sale will also be offered during the benefit. Items included in the various auctions are: NE Volleyball and Football tickets, Creighton Baseball Tickets, Golf Weekends, Golf Balls, Shotgun, Pork with Processing, Quilts, Area Rugs, Nebraska Rug, Garage Door Opener, Vinyl Bench, Autographed NE Footballs, Diamond Gloss Paint Protection Package, Airplane Ride, Antique Toy Tractors, Husker Jackets, Caps and Gloves, Wheel Alignment, Gas Cards, Luggage, Tools, Wine Basket, Faberge' Jeweled Goose Egg, Lighted John Deere Picture, Lighted Anheuser Busch Collection Series Sign, Paintings, Garmin, Car Washes, along with many other items and gift certificates. Music provided by “Maverick” following the grand auction.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Lastest Update!
We have good news again! Mom's latest scan showed that the tumors have decreased in size. It was a relief to hear that her new treatment has worked even better than the doctors predicted.The side effects of this treatment is a little more grueling however. In December and January she was really bloated and was retaining water (probably from the steroid they give her to help with some of off other side effects), but that seems to have subsided at least for now. For that month +, he left her feeling really uncomfortable and then she didn't have an appetite and then when she did eat, it made her feel awful. It's better now so it helps her. Also, her hair has really started to thin which was a little bit of bummer. She got a wig and it looks awesome! Even though, we all know this is just appearance and at least doesn't cause pain/discomfort, but can really just make the out-word appearance remind you even more of this disease. And, we all know Mom and her hair :)
The good news has kept Mom's spirits up and overall, she's pushing right through as it seems to us looking in from the outside. Most of the time, we don't even know how bad she's really feeling as she hardly mentions anything. I'm sure if you ask Tim, he may have a better insight, but if you ask Sharon. She'll say, she's "fine".
There's plenty to keep Mom (and Tim) busy these next few months. Tara's wedding is fast approaching. Mom and Tim are helping out during the week after work watching Micah (which they LOVE!) It's great to hear Mom talk about taking care of Micah. She just says, "he's such a good baby, who wouldn't want to watch this little guy!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
